Kneeboarding and wakeboarding are both different types of watersports. However, they have similar traits. Both sports are performed similarly using boards getting towed by boats on the water. If someone completely unfamiliar person watches these spots for the first time, they might not even be able to tell the difference. that’s for sure. But, that’s what I’m here for. We’ll take a look at the difference between kneeboarding and wakeboarding and their features and fundamentals. Not to mention, we’ll be doing a small comparison to see whether kneeboarding is better than wakeboarding and vice versa. However, let me tell you this first. When it comes to sports, there’s no better or worst. It’s all about enjoyment and preferences. So, without further delay, let’s get into this.
Wakeboarding and Kneeboarding
Wakeboarding is also a watersport that is run on water. But, unlike kneeboarding, the surfers ride in a standing position. Wakeboarding is a water sport that has been around for 30 years. It has its roots in water skiing, surfing, and snowboarding. Wakeboarding is attaching the driver to a board and being dragged by a motorboat at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. The rider will glide over the surface of the water and perform wakeboarding tricks behind the boat. It was created in the 1980s in Australia. Wakeboarding was originally known as skurfing, and it used non-binding hand-shaped boards designed specifically for towing. Wakeboarding, which uses bindings, has mostly replaced skurfing. Wakeboarding currently comes in a variety of shapes and styles, such as kneeboarding and others. Sounds more like a mother sport which invented many other sports we enjoy today.
On the other hand, kneeboard emerged from wakeboarding but now, it’s enjoyed by a great majority. It is a type of water-skiing tool that is used for water surfing. Surfers ride in a kneeling posture while kneeboarding on water, which is why it’s called kneeboarding. They surf while being towed by ships or boats on the ocean, river, or even lakes. It’s a huge pleasure for surfers who enjoy getting their adrenaline pumping on the water. Of course, there are several risks involved, and it is far from a simple task for amateurs. However, once you’ve mastered it, it’s like opening a world of adventure. Learning to kneeboard is a logical “next step” in terms of water sports when the youngsters tire of tubing. Although it’s been named kneeboarding for a long time, some young people refer to it as kneeboard surfing. This is a sport that has been around for quite some time. However, it continues to amaze people as if it were born yesterday. Kneeboarding, though, may appear to be too tough for others. However, you can’t deny that a pro kneeboarder is always entertaining to watch. This sport requires boards that will be towed by the boat on the water, safety ropes, and other equipment.
Even though these two are both watersports, they are ridden in different ways. Not to mention, the needed equipment for each sport is different as well. Let’s take a look at both sports tools and riding procedures.
Equipment for Wakeboarding:
Most wakeboarding facilities will lend out all of the necessary wakeboarding equipment if you want to give it a try. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started if you decide to invest.
- A wakeboard boat – The sort of wakeboard boat you use has a significant impact. The best wakeboarding boats are Bayliner Boats, Axis Boats, and Calabria Boats.
- A Board – A double-ended board with a fin is recommended for beginners since it is more stable. Look for a consistent rocker and fin boards that are of good quality. Try looking for some of the finest beginning wakeboarding boards.
- Bindings – There are three distinct types of bindings for wakeboarding. Velcro bindings are simple to adjust and suitable for beginners. Boot bindings that may be adjusted provide somewhat more support than non-adjustable boot bindings. High-back boot bindings are great for wakeboarding feats because of their strong support.
- Rope – A thin, non-stretch rope would do for beginners. The shorter the rope, the better, because you’ll have more control as you learn.
- Website – The thickness of your wetsuit is decided by the conditions you’ll be wakeboarding in. Most beginners will spend a lot of time in the water, and if you’re starting cold environments, a 5/4 mm wetsuit will keep you warm for the majority of the year.
- Buoyancy Aid – well, this doesn’t give you a great look. However, it is something you’re supposed to wear. Yeah?
Other than that, you’ll also need a board, bindings, and safety equipment to get started wakeboarding.
Equipment for Kneeboarding:
Aside from a boat, the gear isn’t too pricey. Some high-end boards, however, can be rather expensive, costing between $400 and $500. You don’t need much to get started if you’re not going for a luxurious look.
The following items are required to kneeboard:
- Kneeboards
- Jackets that provide protection
- A rope for towing.
For additional information, you’ll need a fully fitted personal flotation device (PFD). Children should wear a life jacket that remains put. It’s important to remember that the driver is primarily responsible for the kneeboarder’s safety. The navigator must always be aware of everything going on around them. Visualize a head on a circle to grasp the concept. When a kneeboarder swings out wide against the direction you’re turning, keep your eyes alert for shorelines, docks, trees, and other boats. When towing youngsters on kneeboards, less traffic on the lake is ideal.
To pull the rider, a kneeboard rope is necessary, and they are available according to the number of up for towing. You’ll be pulling one kneeboarder per rope most of the time. Tube ropes have a small “bend” to them, similar to ski ropes. Some tube tow ropes include a “bungee” function, although this is unlikely to be useful or safe for pulling kneeboarders.
The board, on the other hand, comes in a range of brands and configurations. Some kneeboards, for example, are made to assist people in transitioning from kneeboarding to stand-up water sports such as wakeboarding. Soft shin cushions and a wide strap with hook-and-loop fastening strips are standard features on the best kneeboards. The good news is that there are hundreds of options when it comes to choosing a child’s kneeboard. From numerous merchants on the market, you have several alternatives for your little kneeboarder.
Types of Wakeboards:
Wakeboards are classified into three groups:
- Beginners’ Wakeboards
- Wakeboards for Intermediate Riders
- Wakeboards for More Experienced Riders
Intermediate and advanced boards are much less forgiving than beginner boards. It’s not worth it to invest in a specialist board too early in your surfing or snowboarding career. You may stifle your progress if you get too far ahead of yourself on the board.
Beginner wakeboards often have squared-off edges, which provide a more stable and controlled ride. Starting on a board helps you to build confidence on the water while being pulled, as you won’t be landing tricks for a time.
Wakeboard With Single or Twin Tips?
Single-tipped or double-tipped wakeboards are accessible. Because they feature one pointed end and one square end. single-tipped boards are usually utilized to travel in one direction. Wakeboards with a tin tip may be used in both directions. Most wakeboards these days are twin-tipped, so you may have to seek out a specialist vendor if you want a single-tipped wakeboard.
Ideal Sizes for Wakeboarding:
According to the ideal wakeboard size chart, you can choose the wakeboard according to the rider’s weight. If the weight is more than 100 lbs, then the wakeboard length should be more than 130 cm. Similarly, for 90-150 lbs -130-134cm long, for 130-180 lbs- 135-139, for 170-250 lbs- 140-144 cm, for 200-275+ lbs- up to 144 cm length should suffice. Choose a wakeboard that is appropriate for your weight and height.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to go for a somewhat larger board because it will be easier for you to learn and will allow you to practice your balance abilities while training. A larger board may be the ideal option if you’re more experienced and want to perform more tricks; they don’t carve as well in the water but are fantastic for landing from heights.
- Curve
The rocker of your wakeboard refers to how much it curves at the ends. A board with a lot of rockers has a rounder bottom, whereas a board with a minimal rocker has a flatter bottom. Beginners to medium intermediates should stick to boards with a continuous rocker, which has a more progressive curve at the base. The smoother and more comfortable ride is provided by continuous rocker boards. When the wake is raised, a three-stage rocker has a more aggressive feel and performs considerably better. Less rocker means that more power travels smoothly, whilst more rocker enables easier landing leaps and stunts.
- Fins
The wakeboard is controlled with the use of fins. Fins that are deeper or longer produce a more stable board, which is ideal for newbies. However, as you progress, you may wish to choose shallower fins. Shallower fins, or sometimes no fins at all, provide for quicker reaction and smoother turns. Start with a board that has detachable fins to discover what you like.
Boats Used for Kneeboarding:
Kneeboarding has become popular because it can be done on almost any type of watercraft. Boats such as bowriders, deck boats, ski and wake boats, and cruisers all work well. Because of the maneuvers they can execute off huge wakes, wake boats are recommended for experienced riders. Pontoon boats, on the other hand, are ideal for towing youngsters on kneeboards. However, you’ll need more than a 25-hp motor to ensure that your riders can start in deep water. Pontoon boats will inevitably fall short as riders get older and more experienced, so be aware of this upfront.
You can instruct your driver to ramp up the pace once you’re at ease. The weight and skill level of the rider are used to determine the optimum riding pace. For instance, if the boat speed is 5-8 MPH, the kneeboarder’s weight should be less than 50 lbs. Similarly, 50-100 pounds for 8-12 MPH, 100-150 lbs for 12-16 MPH, and more than 150 lbs for 16-20 MPH should be adequate. When towing a kneeboarder, drivers must be cautious of their speed, which varies based on the size and skill of the rider.
Choosing the Best Option Competitive vs. Recreational Kneeboard
The bulk of riders will be riding on a recreational kneeboard. Rotational molding is used to produce the soft, wide edges of this type of kneeboard. Recreational kneeboards are often thicker and airier than competitive kneeboards, which aids buoyancy in the case of a wipe-out. These boards are great for first-time riders and little children since they are much easier to control.
On the other side, competitive kneeboards are more concerned with speed than with comfort. Competitive compression-molded boards feature better edges and a thinner, lighter shape. Because these boards are less buoyant than recreational kneeboards, advanced riders may make deep-water starts on them. The term “rocker” refers to a slight curve on the bottom of some competitive kneeboards. A board with a high rocker is more difficult to spin, whereas one with a low rocker is faster. If you’re looking for a more demanding encounter, a competitive board is the way to go. You must, however, get more experience first.
- The compression-molded fabrication of center boards is common.
- Wood stringers, CNC-machined foam cores, and a sandwich construction retain energy released as it departs from a wake in the experienced, or professional, boards.
Conclusion:
We can see the differences in both wakeboarding and kneeboarding equipment and procedures. The building techniques learned on skis and wakeboards have found their way to kneeboards throughout time. There is a significant amount of science involved. Although wakeboarding racks with an extra-wide fork that can handle a kneeboard are available, there is no such thing as a dedicated kneeboard rack for storage. The differences we see are more based on the features that support each aspect of the sports. Which sport you’ll enjoy the most, depends on your preference. I will recommend you give both a try just for the sake of knowing it.